5 paintings by Francis Bacon worth USD33M stolen in Madrid – reports

Five artworks of figurative painter Francis Bacon has been stolen in Madrid.(Photo: Fracis Bacon website)

MOSCOW—Five paintings by Irish artist Francis Bacon were stolen from a private collection in a Madrid home, Spanish newspaper El Pais cited a source with the investigation as saying Sunday.

The works—portraits and landscapes estimated at 30 million euros (over USD33 million at the current exchange)—were stolen from a Spanish friend of the artist last June, but the case has been kept under wraps.

The owner was identified only by his initials and was said to be 59 years old. Bacon frequently visited Spain in the 1980s and 1990s. He died in Madrid in 1992.

The robbery reportedly took place while the owner was away. The thieves switched off the alarm system and made away with the paintings without leaving any traces of their work.